On March 3, 2008, Texas became a little smaller when Herbert Wallace Bowles went home to be with our Lord and Savior after losing a long term battle with lung cancer. He was surrounded by members of his loving family. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 46 years, Jeri Bowles. His surviving children include Chris Bowles (wife Rosalie); Becky Hess (husband Pat); Erica Dreckman; Blair Morgan (husband Scott); Barry Bowles (wife Beth); 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was strong in his faith and exhibited it throughout his long life and by his character.

Herb was born March 11, 1926 in Collingswood, New Jersey. At age 16, he joined the Navy and served as a Pharmacist’s Mate during World War II. He joined the Army in 1951 as a member of the 82nd Airborne.

Following his military service, he worked as a Master Electrician on various projects in Colorado and Texas. Herb was an inventor and owned several businesses in Dallas through the years. He was Dean of Operations and head swimming coach at the University of Dallas. Herb’s passion involved coaching young people which he did in swimming at Ursuline Academy and swimming and football at Jesuit College Prep in Dallas and Regis High School in Denver.

Herb and Geraldine Babcock were married in 1961 and made their home in Dallas for over 20 years. In 1981, the family moved to Black Hawk, Colorado and began the renovation of the former Gilpin Hotel. After selling the hotel, Herb and Jeri renovated and ran the Shamrock Bed and Breakfast in Black Hawk for a number of years while Herb continued working for the Regis High School in Denver. After he retired, Herb served as an Alderman and Police Chief of Black Hawk. During his tenure as Alderman, the cities of Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek realized limited-stakes gambling for their cities. Herb and Jeri returned to their beloved Texas in 1999 where they have both enjoyed living, traveling and showing off their Hill Country!!!

In lieu of flowers, please send any contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN or the Herbert Bowles Endowment Scholarship fund at Dallas Jesuit College Prep.

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